Heated Rivalry

[Clefable]

Anyone watching this on NowTV?

I may have binged

🥵🥵🥵🥵

Connor was fantastic. I was shocked he had no Russian roots, as he was so believable. Even his accent was good. He sounded like a Russian kid who emigrated abroad at a young age (which I know isn't the storyline, but he really did give off a real Russian vibe).

I found him hot in the Las Vegas scene, but otherwise I don't find him attractive. I think the show showed very little of the reality of sports star, and I am not sure if it was a matter of acting or the script/story that did not fill the gaps. I think Connor might be more talented, he embodied Slavic Fuck Boy very well - his posture, way of walking and body language was definitely typical of this type of guys from Eastern Europe. He also has great comedic timing (What. Color.?) and might be the more talented one.

But when they give interviews I find Hudson super hot.

Thank you, @QueenMabby. I have now successfully bullied several algorithms into HR submission.

Love your posts and analysis. Hard agree about women being able to enjoy nice things and not being told what they can/can't enjoy, as well as how it is nicer to not overfetishise. It is undeniable that a big part of why HR is so successful is that it has two very good looking men having incredibly appealingly presented sex coupled with a largely not realistic but utterly swoonful romantic story, but I personally am attempting to approach it all with an attempt at respect and sanity - intense obsession notwithstanding. Fandoms always have absolutely bonkers fringes.

I am a huge fan of Hudson Williams and his subtle, nuanced acting. Different roles for different actors, and each perfectly cast, in my view.

The devil is in the detail in my personal obsession journey! And on that note, the "I'm coming" instead of "oh my God" in Ep 2 located and confirmed, thank you.

I have found my people!! <3

I think they both act it brilliantly. So well done. Superstars.

I saw a clip of Connor, Jacob and Hudson being interviewed, and Connor did an impersonation of Jacob directing them and saying something along the lines of "Hudson, do everything differently - Connor, you are perfect." All three laughed and agreed. Connor is massively talented without a doubt, and an absolute superstar. Ilya is pure genius - that image of him on the ice in episode 1 almost insolently leaning on his stick (apologies, hockey fans, if that's not what it's called) with his head cocked to one side... Oof. Iconic. Hudson's Shane is so touching, his struggles and growth so delicately portrayed (that conversation with Rose)... And Hudson himself just has something undefinable for me.A

Both are absolute gems.

It’s so interesting. I’m definitely: Ilya - yes. Connor - possibly not. Shane - definitely not. Hudson - probably yes.

Scott/Francois - no to both!

I’m currently listening to the Tonsil Hockey podcast - two bi women who are obsessed with the show. Their take is very interesting and absolutely hilarious!

Nooo Francois' Scott is HOT 🥵! I found him better looking than the two leads

Me too. I wonder if it is an age thing. I am on the other side of 50 and normally don't like stories with college age guys.
Hockey is a bit of an exemption because the storyline is often deeper though.

Noted, and thank you! Despite alleged later discrediting (unresearched by me), Empty Netters has kept my sanity these last few days.

I have absolutely zero interest in any of them like that. And I think that is part of the attraction for me - no dog in the fight, no audience participation required from me whatsoever, what a restful feeling.

Apart from Hudson, I'm realising.😯

If you google Connor Francois Grammys you get photos of them together at the YSL Grammy after show party last night. Connor has had his hair cut and he looks just like Illya. YSL must be over the moon with all the publicity.

Thinking Season 2 has a lot to live up to. HR is all about the yearning until they finally get together. That’s missing in TLG. Plus Jacob Tierny who is clearly talented, has to try and keep the essence of S1 alive when the stakes are much higher.

Had a little rewatch last night. The actors look sooo young in the first 2 episodes. Shane especially. Great make up and Shane’s dorky hair helps. Given it was shot in weeks, amazing to get that right.

I've seen Hudson saying he worked out and bulked up between the beginning of filming (Vegas) and the end, but I can't see it. It will be a hardship to have to watch it again to try and spot the differences, but it is a hardship I will bear with fortitude.

Didn’t he add “9lbs of clappable material” or something? It’s all in the butt 🤣🫣

Stay strong!

Will reference to their age/appearance. I did google their ages during the first sex scene so I could assure myself I want a complete pervert.

So I’ve never particularly explored gay porn or romance.

Please tell me why - a 41 year old woman caught in the humdrum of FT work small kids pets laundry bla blah - has been reduced to absolute intense feels/tears/quivering intense feeling at heated rivalry.

it’s like I want to be inside of something that feels so tender/vulnerable. It’s crazy isn’t it? Why have I enjoyed it to the point of tears

It’s the perfect mix of good acting and story telling. Unknown actors who have really got into the parts. Great directing even in a budget. It is so intense.

He so did, @FurForksSake! Clappable indeed.

Thank you, @TheMateofOphelia, Sacrifices simply have to be made. (I reassured myself about the ages, too 😄).

You're in good company, @Ecrire! It is intense stuff. I try to pace myself and not go too far down the rabbit hole in one go, if it's any help.

Because it's great to see men being vunerable, that is just not there in straight romance.

Just rewatching episode 3, Scott and Kip are just so adorable.

We may have our first HR divorce, my husband accidentally heard me say at rugby that I want a Connor Storrie in the streets but an Ilya Rozanov in the sheets 😂

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

But 100% yes. That is the correct option.

Agree. I wonder how he will treat the source material. I skimmed through the two books that it will be most likely based on (The Long Game & Role Model) and the writing is on the weaker side when it comes to consistency of character development and sometimes it feels like a collection of cringe Hallmark scenes. But he did brilliantly with the first season so I have faith :)

I wonder if they will wait until the last book is released in September unless they want to use that for a third season and cover the other couples vs more.

I saw something that said they might do more of the other characters in the franchise. It’s done so well that the producers will want to see how far they can go.